Working in Explosive

Atmospheres
SAFETY WHEN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ARE STACKED AGAINST YOU

An explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of dangerous substances with

air, under atmospheric conditions, in the form of gases, vapours, mist or dust in
which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned
mixture.

Atmospheric conditions are commonly referred to as ambient temperatures and

pressures, that is to say, temperatures of –20°C to 40°C and pressures of 0.8 to
1.1 bar. Many workplaces may contain, or have activities that produce, explosive
or potentially explosive atmospheres. Examples include places where work
activities create or release flammable gases or vapours, such as vehicle paint
spraying, or in workplaces handling fine organic dusts such as grain flour or
wood.

Explosive atmospheres occur when flammable gases, mist, vapours or dust are
mixed with air. This creates a risk of explosion. The amount of a substance
needed to create an explosive atmosphere depends on the substance in
question. The area where this possibility exists is defined as a potentially
explosive atmosphere. These atmospheres can be found throughout all
industries, from chemical, pharmaceutical and food, to power generation and
wood processing. The areas may also be known as hazardous areas or
hazardous locations. The number of substances that are flammable when mixed
with air is very large. This means there are many industrial sectors that can
have a potentially explosive atmosphere somewhere in their process. Some of
these are not so obvious. For example, sawmills by default are not a potentially
 explosive atmosphere, but if the sawdust is allowed to gather in large amounts,
the area in question will become hazardous.

Risk assessment of explosive atmospheres

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002(DSEAR)

define ‘hazardous’ as a place where an explosive atmosphere may occur in
quantities that require special precautions to protect the health and safety of
workers. A place where an explosive atmosphere is not expected to occur in
quantities that require such special precautions is deemed to be non-hazardous.
Identifying hazardous or non-hazardous areas should be carried out in a
systematic way. Risk assessment should be used to determine if hazardous
areas exist and to then assign zones to those areas.

The assessment should consider such matters as:

 The hazardous properties of the dangerous substances

involved
 The amount of dangerous substances involved
 The work processes like cleaning, repair or maintenance
activities that will be carried out
 The temperatures and pressures at which the dangerous
substances will be handled
 The containment system and controls provided to prevent
liquids, gases, vapours or dusts escaping into the general
atmosphere of the workplace
 Any explosive atmosphere formed within an enclosed plant or
storage vessel
 Any measures provided to ensure that any explosive
atmosphere does not persist for an extended time, e.g. ventilation
Along with the above factors, the following points should be considered in detail.
Hazardous nature of the substance

The properties of a dangerous substance that need to be known include the

boiling point and flash point of any flammable liquid, and whether any
flammable gas or vapour that may be involved is lighter or heavier than air. For
dusts, information on particle size and density will be needed, once it has been
shown that a particular dust can form an explosive atmosphere. Often, relevant
information is contained on a safety data sheet provided with the product.

Size of potential releases

Some potential sources of release may be so small that there is no need to

specify a hazardous area. This will be the case if the consequence of an ignition
following a release is unlikely to cause danger to people in the vicinity. However,
in the wrong circumstances ignition of quite small quantities of flammable
gas/vapour mixed with air can cause danger to anyone in the immediate vicinity.
Where this is the case, as in a relatively confined location, from which rapid
escape would be difficult, area classification may be needed even where quite
small quantities of dangerous substance are present. The size of any potential
explosive atmosphere is, in part, related to the amount of dangerous substances
present. Industry specific codes have been published by a variety of
organisations to provide guidance on the quantities of various dangerous
substances that should be stored.

Temperatures and pressures

Information relating to the processes that involve the dangerous substances

should also be taken into account, including the temperatures and pressures
used in the process, as this will influence the nature and extent of any release,
and the extent of any subsequent hazardous areas. Some substances do not
form explosive atmospheres unless they are heated, and some liquids if
released under pressure will form a fine mist that can explode even if there is
insufficient vapour.
Ventilation

Ventilation, either natural or mechanically produced (e.g. by fans), can both

dilute sources of release and remove dangerous substances from an enclosed
area. As a result there is a close link between the ventilation at any given
location, and the classification and extent of a zone around a potential source of
release. Well-designed ventilation may prevent the need for any zoned areas, or
reduce it so it has a negligible extent.

Extent of hazardous areas

The assessment needs to identify areas within a workplace that are connected
to places where an explosive atmosphere may occur. This will provide
information on any areas away from the source of the hazard to which an
explosive atmosphere may spread, for example through ducts.

Other considerations

When considering the potential for explosive atmospheres, it is important to

consider all dangerous substances that may be present in the workplace,
including waste products, residues, materials used for cleaning or maintenance,
and any used only as a fuel. Also some combinations of dangerous substances
may react together, forming an ignition source or in combination may form an
explosive atmosphere, where singly this does not occur.
Some repeated activities such as refuelling cars, or loading and unloading
tankers intended for use on the public roads, involve the introduction of
potential sources of ignition into an area where a spill is possible, and which
would meet the description of a hazardous area. In these circumstances, safety
can be achieved by isolating power sources (e.g. turning off engines) while a
transfer is taking place, and making suitable checks before and after a transfer,
before moving a vehicle into or out of a hazardous area.

Activities such as maintenance may incur risks not covered by the normal area
classification of the area where the activity is taking place, for instance the
introduction of sources of ignition into a hazardous area. Sometimes the
dangerous substance can be removed before the maintenance work activity
 starts. Sometimes, special control measures can be taken to prevent the release
of any dangerous substance during the work. In such cases the additional risks
associated with the activity should be assessed before work starts.

Hazardous zones and ATEX directives

ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling
explosive atmospheres: Directive 99/92/EC (also known as 'ATEX 137' or the
'ATEX Workplace Directive') on minimum requirements for improving the health
and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
Directive 94/9/EC (also known as 'ATEX 95' or 'the ATEX Equipment Directive') on
the approximation of the laws of Members States concerning equipment and
protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Within industries, all potentially explosive atmospheres are required to have

area classifications called zones. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure
that the classification of their site is performed before suitable products can be
selected and installed at the location. Globally, a zone system is used to classify
potentially explosive areas. The Worker Protection Directive 1999/EC and the
international standards IEC 60079-10-x, EN 60079- 10-x define these zones. In
all cases, zone classification is the responsibility of the owner of the site where
the potentially explosive atmosphere exists.

There are 6 zones:

 Zone 0 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting

of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas,
vapour or mist is present continuously or for long periods or
frequently.
 Zone 1 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting
of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas,
vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally
 Zone 2 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting
of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas,
vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it
does occur, will persist for a short period only
 Zone 20 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the
form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or
for long periods or frequently
 Zone 21 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the
form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal
operation occasionally
 Zone 22 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the
form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in
normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period
only
Equipment categories are used in ATEX. The category indicates which safety
level of product must be used in each zone. In Zone 0/20, category 1 devices
must be used; in Zone 1/21, category 2 devices; and in zone 2/22, category 3
devices. Classification into categories is of particular importance, because all the
inspection, maintenance and repair duties of the end user will depend on the
category of the product/equipment and not on the zone where it is installed.

Explosive atmospheres and safety

Generally, a practice of strictly no smoking will be followed in all industries. In

the explosive atmosphere this has to be followed as a mandatory rule. In these
areas “No Smoking” signs should be clearly displayed on the entrance doors and
in prominent positions within the laboratory/workshop or store. Persons who
operate equipment in areas using dangerous substances should be trained in
the use of that equipment, the associated dangers with dangerous substances
and flammable liquids.
 Individuals should be made aware of:

 The properties of dangerous substances and flammable liquids

 Use of correct containers and processes
 Not allowing hot work close to or within areas using dangerous
substances
 Correct design of equipment, installation and maintenance
 Control of ignition sources and heating materials above their
auto-ignition point
 The safe disposal and dismantling of equipment containing
flammable liquids
 Correct storage and limited quantities kept in the area
 Correct decanting, dispensing or movement of dangerous
substances, correct method of dealing with spillages
In addition, appropriate protective clothing including eye and hand protection
must be worn by all persons operating/working with dangerous and flammable
substances. The provision of eye wash facilities and medical first aid should be
made in the immediate area. It will also be necessary to consider the provision
of emergency decontamination/deluge showers. The latter items are normally
considered at the design stage of the premises. Where these are not provided
and new processes are being considered, these provisions should form part of
the risk assessment process.

There are various types of approved storage cabinet for dangerous substances
and flammable liquids. In general terms they should provide a minimum fire
resistance of half an hour, offer a secure latched door, lipped shelving to prevent
spillages and be clearly identified. The identification should indicate the
type/class of Dangerous Substances stored i.e. “Highly Flammable Substances”
or “Corrosive”. It is dangerous to mix storage i.e. oxidising agents, halogenated
solvents (non-flammable) with flammable solvents. A regular assessment of the
contents of the storage cabinets is needed. Inappropriate storage should be
removed and re-located to a suitable store. Hazardous substances that produce
a source of flammable vapour must not be stored in refrigerators, freezer
cabinets or other closed containers with internal sources of ignition, i.e.
electrical contacts. Spark-proofed equipment, specifically designed and built for
this purpose should be used. These units must be clearly indicated “Spark-
Proofed” on the outside of the door.
In areas/workplaces where flammable sources are in use, non-proofed
refrigerant appliances should be clearly indicated “Explosion Hazard – Not
Suitable for Use with Highly Flammable Substances”. External storerooms used
to store flammable liquids should be constructed with a concrete impervious
“bund” floor (152mm), brick walls (114mm), and concrete cast roof (102mm).
 Cross flow ventilation is required using high and low level vents fitted with
internal flame gauzes. A minimum one hour fire resisting, self-closing fire door
(outward opening) is also required. All electrical fittings should be flameproof to
comply with Category 1 equipment. Shelving should be constructed of slatted
non-ferrous metal or wooden shelves. To assist in preventing spills the shelves
should be provided with lipped edges. Signs indicating “No Smoking” and
“Highly Flammable” should be displayed in a prominent position on the outside
of the access door. Fire extinguishers (normally dry powder) and a sand bucket
should be provided.

The following general points should also be considered while storing flammable
or explosive substances in external stores:

1. An emergency switch to isolate the electrical supply to the

building should be provided on the outside of the store clearly
indicated “electrical isolation switch”.
2. All substances kept within the storeroom must be accurately
and clearly labelled. Where emptied chemical containers are used to
store waste substances, all inappropriate labels to the present
contents must be removed to avoid any confusion.
3. The new regulations emphasise the need to risk assess the
compatibility of the contents of the store. Explosives, oxidising
agents, radioactive substances and cylinders should not be stored
with general flammable substances.
4. The cross flow vents should be cleared of all obstructions to
ensure a clear airway. Regular checks should be made to ensure
storage or plant growth around these units is cleared.
5. Unnecessary combustible storage, cardboard boxes, wood
shavings and packaging materials should be removed and disposed
of in an approved manner.
6. Vehicle parking or storage items should not be allowed within
five metres of the storeroom door. The area should be clearly
indicated with cross hatched yellow lines.
Disposal of flammable and dangerous
substances
Dangerous/flammable substances must be disposed of safely and in a manner
that minimises environmental risks. In this respect, and to demonstrate your
organisation’s responsibility, waste products will generally need to be stored and
handled according to the same standards as the products from which they were
derived. They will also be subject to the same legislation, unless their properties
have been significantly altered by the processing. This will require the provision
of suitable containers that are correctly labelled appropriate to the contents.
Waste product should not be put into drains or water courses. There is the
potential to create a local explosive mixture within the drainage system or
damage biological purification systems at the water treatment works. Waste
materials collected from different processes should not be mixed before disposal
unless the various components are known to be compatible. Consideration will
need to be given to the eventual disposal techniques at the early stages of the
risk assessment. Methods of decanting waste into the containers should be
assessed and the correct ancillary equipment provided. Any system of decanting
the products should be assessed to account for the dangers of static electricity
and suitable provision of earth leads made. When not in use, containers of waste
product should be securely closed to prevent leakage and should be returned to
storage areas. Waste product must not be decanted into containers within a
storage area; the container should be taken to the designated work area.

Conclusion

Explosive atmospheres are unavoidable in process industries like petroleum

refining and explosives manufacturing, but by adopting active monitoring
methods like executing risk assessments, involving in regular inspection, doing
regular maintenance along with implementing and using equipment like
flameproofing and dust ignition proofing in the workplace as per the legal
guidelines, safe disposal of flammable waste will reduce the accidents in
explosive atmospheres while working.